Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most traumatic and difficult times during your life. You will often be in contact with many different people, including the police, lawyers, doctors, and ICBC. Your doctor or lawyer may direct you to an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and kinesiologist who can help you recover from your injuries.
What do Occupational Therapists do?
An occupational therapist’s responsibilities in car accident rehabilitation are wide-ranging. But a relationship with a client usually begins with an initial assessment and a report to determine and better communicate a client’s needs.
After an assessment is completed and a report distributed to other medical professionals, an occupational therapist proceeds to organize physical rehabilitation programs, home support, implement a return to work strategy, order appropriate assistive equipment, and can even suggest home modifications. They also provide proper education on body positioning, posture, sleep hygiene, and more.
Physiotherapy & Regaining Movement
If your doctor referred you to a physiotherapist for your injuries, a skilled physiotherapist will usually begin rehabilitation by applying heat to relax tight muscles, using an ultrasound machine to deeply stimulate certain muscles, or by initiating hydrotherapy. This will bring you to the repair phase of recovery sooner and will assist you in returning to your daily activities.
A physiotherapist will also help you work towards regaining range of motions and strength by performing prescribed exercises. Whether it is your neck, back, shoulders, hips, or legs, following the prescribed exercise program, you will be well on your way to recovery.
Kinesiology & Active Rehabilitation
As university-trained health professionals, kinesiologists work with patients to apply the principles of anatomy, physiology, and movement to enhance the quality of life through the promotion of physical activity and workplace health and safety.
You will often be referred to a kinesiologist after seeing an occupational and a physiotherapist. A kinesiologist will begin active rehabilitation with a client, which consists of the assessment of physical function followed by the creation and implementation of a structured and personally tailored exercise program. Specific exercises and stretches are prescribed to enhance and promote a safe and consistent return to an individual’s normal physical function and daily activities.
It is important to take care of yourself and make sure you make a full physical and functional recovery after a car accident. An occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and kinesiologist are professionals who are trained in the best rehabilitation techniques and can help you regain your full potential sooner.